RE: Debate Forum - Week 5 - Indigenous Reconciliation
Ooh, a topic near and dear to my heart. Thank you all for the thoughtful replies so far!
I have many of the same views and opinions of those who have posted before me.
Still, I'm going to go out on a limb and assert my belief that if I were to become Prime Minister in the here and now, that there is little that I could do to truly reconcile the atrocities the first nations and their descendants experienced, and still live with to this day. It spans globally, in all pockets of society and our hearts. From what I see, I'm not sure if there is anyone here alive now who is not a victim of colonization.
The belief that reconciliation will come through government authority, well, I disagree.
To put that kind of power in one person's, or even the hands of many, is an outright lie. Reconciliation is a dream when the poorest people in the nation live on reservations, or cast out in the streets. Reconciliation is a dream while there are still borders to cross, where the falsity of land ownership lives on. Reconciliation is a dream while animals, including humans of all heritage, are traded, bought, and fenced in to live out a life that is not truly their own. Reconciliation is a dream if fiat currency rules over life itself, as the lands and waters are poisoned, and the average household continues down their ignorant path of destruction of self and others.
Reconciliation is impossible if the beings in the here and now continue to believe the lies of "mine and yours".
Reconciliation begins when old ranchers donate their lands for land preservation and the reclamation of tradition and heritage that aligns with the flow of nature.
Reconciliation begins we tear down the fence between us and our neighbors, and build a picnic table out of the wood.
Reconciliation begins when we plant gardens to feed ourselves, and to whoever needs.
Reconciliation begins when we truly, authentically have the freedom to choose our pathways to knowing Creator.
Reconciliation begins when we truly listen to the story of others, without contributing guilt, personal desire, or a need to fix anything.
Reconciliation begins when a human being comes to the full realization that Unci Maka is the true one home to all life on earth.
Reconciliation begins when we don't wait for any right moment to express our love and solidarity for another being.
Reconciliation begins when we gather as one nation.
How many other ways can we begin reconciliation in our own communities? How many can you think of?
The short of it: Don't wait for a prime minister or a president to change. Stop creating figments of leadership. Stop believing in centralized government. Start creating communities that include, and encompass, all of Life's beings right now, where you are. Extend your hands to those that need it. Tear down your f*cking fence already.
It really is so simple, and we all have to believe it. We all have to decide to heal our traumas so we can stop hurting Life. It doesn't matter if a prime minister donates land to a tribe, or says sorry. It doesn't matter if the core of the issue doesn't change.